For many readers and viewers who came of age in the ’80s and ’90s, Claudia Kishi was the most fashionable and artistic member of The Baby-Sitters Club. But for tons of Asian-American children, she was one of the only Asian-American literary and screen characters rendered without racist or sexist stereotypes. Documentarian Sue Ding looks back at this history with several prominent artists and media creators in her upcoming crowdfunded project, "The Claudia Kishi Club."

"The Claudia Kishi Club" looks at how the Japanese-American character defied common portrayals of docile Asian girls with her brash attitude and adventurous sartorial choices. Commentators like author C.B. Lee ("Sidekick Squad" series) and Angry Asian Man founder Phil Yu revisit Kishi’s influence on a generation of Asian-American pop culture consumers and creators. 

The project has until the early hours of Thursday (December 13) morning to reach its $15,000 goal. Learn more at Kickstarter.com.

 

*Note: This post has been corrected since publication to reflect the accurate spelling of the film and filmmaker’s names.